"The sudden demise of Gandhian activist Sasi Perumal is a shock not only for me but to the entire state of Tamil Nadu...The mysterious cause of his death raises questions as to how nobody could save his life and why was he not given treatment?," Stalin told media persons here.

"Therefore, we demand a thorough inquiry be conducted into his death," he added.

Stalin also said that his party will take forward Perumal's fight against liquor and urge the state government for total prohibition on alcohol.

According to reports, Perumal, who had been demanding liquor prohibition in Tamil Nadu for over four decades, died earlier in the day while he was protesting against liquor shops in Kanyakumari.

Perumal was rescued by fire service personnel after he fainted atop a tower. He was then rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead.